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Private Rented Sector Landlord Loan: Overview

Everything you need to know about the Scottish Government funded loan that supports registered private landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their properties and meet minimum standards.

There are certain things you need to do to qualify for the loan, both when applying and carrying out the work.

We’ve answered some of the more common questions below and there are also links to important information that you should read before applying. You’ll find more information on our application form but if you have any questions, just give us a call on 0808 808 2282.

Who can apply?

Registered private landlords, acting either as an individual or a business that owns privately rented properties, can apply. Funding is only available for businesses owned:

by an individual in their capacity as a sole trader

by some or all of the members of an incorporated association in trust for the association

by either: a limited company; a limited liability partnership; a trust; a partnership; a registered society under the Co–operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014; or a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation, or

in any other capacity which Energy Saving Trust or the Scottish Government considers to be a business.

Applications will only be accepted from individuals or official representatives of the business that will own the equipment, materials and property at the time the loan is paid.

Applications will not be accepted from installers, property developers, letting agents or self-builders.

Still not sure if you can apply? Call us on 0808 808 2282 and our advisors will help.

Eligible properties

We will only offer funding to landlords for improvements to domestic dwellings in Scotland which are listed on the Scottish Landlord Register and are not used as a holiday home or second home.

Properties must be currently occupied by at least one tenant or will have at least one tenant in place within 30 days of the loan being paid.

What you need to do

You must contact Home Energy Scotland personally to get impartial advice about your property or properties, which will help decide the best options for you.

You must only apply using the form provided to you by Home Energy Scotland.

How much can you borrow?

The amount you can borrow depends on how many domestic properties you have in your portfolio:

Landlords with five properties or fewer in their portfolio can borrow up to £100,000.

Landlords with six or more properties in their portfolio can borrow up to £250,000.

The amount you can borrow also depends on what improvements you want to make. They’re grouped into two types:

Energy efficiency improvements

What you can borrow in this category for each property is £15,000. There are also conditions attached to these amounts. Read Private Rented Sector Landlord loan - in detail to find out more. Some of the eligible technologies are listed below.

Maximum loan amount available for each energy improvement:

External/internal wall insulation: £10,000

Heating system (gas, LPG or oil boilers): £5,000

Heating system (warm air units or high heat retention electric storage heaters): £5,000

Gas connection: £5,000

Glazing (only available for improving single glazing and not for replacing or improving existing double glazing): £4,500

You can apply for up to two home renewable systems per property worth up to £17,500 in total, plus an energy storage system up to a maximum of £6,000. Read Private Rented Sector Landlord loan - in detail to find out more. Some of the eligible technologies are listed below.

Secondary improvements

You can also borrow up to £500 for what are known as secondary improvements. They’re not available on their own – you need to combine them with one of the energy efficiency improvements or renewables systems listed above. Examples include cylinder thermostats, heating controls or hot water jackets. Talk to our advisors to find out more. Call us on 0808 808 2280 or request a callback today.

Fees and interest

Loans are administered by Energy Saving Trust. Successful loans are subject to an administrative fee of 1.5% of the total loan value, up to a maximum of £250. The fee will automatically be added to the loan value and included in the amount that you will need to repay. Applicants with five properties or fewer in their portfolio will not be subject to interest. Applicants with six or more properties in their portfolio will be subject to interest at a rate of 3.5% APR.

Get in touch

Call us on 0808 808 2282 or request a call back today. You can only get an application from our advisors and they'll also help with any enquiries you may have.